Jamaica Carnival has engaged students at the Edna Manley School of the Arts, through lecturer Gianna Fakhourie, to create prototypes of costumes.

These prototypes were assessed and eight students were given the opportunity to showcase a costume that is authentically Caribbean, which would be included in the Jamaica Carnival road parade on April 23.

The aim of this project is to stimulate and promote creativity in the carnival space, with emphasis on the Jamaican identity and Caribbean flair, explained Fakhourie.

“Having examined the syllabus with my students, I realised that there was a complete section dedicated to carnival. This would form a part of their overall grade. When I asked the students if they wanted to do their final project as a carnival costume, everyone unanimously agreed, so I reached out to Julianne Lee of Jamaica Carnival to work out the details,” Fakhourie said.

The students were asked to submit an introduction video stating what/who inspires them as an artist; provide illustrations of the costume, fabric swatches, along with a justification for the materials being used to create the piece and explain what influenced the design. The resulting costume will account for 40 per cent of their final exam grade, so each student is putting all her efforts into it.

Gianna Fakhourie explained that she tries to incorporate and promote Jamaican art, culture and creativity. There are certain criteria set that outlines a focus for the designs.

“As an artist myself, I believe it’s important to maintain the standards of art. I want my students to be comfortable declaring a Jamaican aesthetic within their style of costume design. I want to see less nudity and more of what makes us Jamaicans and Caribbean displayed in the final pieces,” she added.

In the coming weeks, the designs will all be complete and judged based on the criteria given. The students are vying for cash prize of $60,000 to be shared among the first- second- and third-place winners. The winner will also be given the opportunity to dress a whole band in the Jamaica Carnival 2018 road march.